Second Sunday: A Novel [Hardcover]

Michele Andrea Bowen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 9, 2003

The author of Church Folk once again takes us on a hilarious journey into the inner sanctums of African American church life. In 1970s St. Louis, members of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church prepare to celebrate its 100th year anniversary. However, with the unexpected death of its pastor, the church faces a terrible dilemma: finding a new pastor not only in time to prepare for the church centennial, but also in time to ensure the survival of the church itself! It seems as though everyone has a strong opinion about who the new pastor should be. Bowen weaves the hilarious stories of several church members as they plan, plot, and connive ways for their favorite candidate to win the pastorship. Will they be able to sort out their differences before the anniversary? God only knows....

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Bowen's writing humorously explores familiar terrain for anyone who has witnessed church politics." (Black Issues Book Review )

"Fresh, passionate and laugh-out-loud funny." (Dallas Morning News )

"Get ready for some Godly grit and gumption, served up hot and tasty." (Romantic Times )

"A funny, honest drama...Bowen deftly balances romance, church politics, and spirituality." (Greater Diversity News )

"Done with wit and intelligence. The cast is a delight." (Midwest Book Review ) --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

About the Author

Michele Andrea Bowen lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her two daughters.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Walk Worthy Press; 1 edition (June 9, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446530336
• ISBN-13: 978-0446530330
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,168,017 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh-Out Loud Reading At It's Best!, January 17, 2004

By 

Tyora Moody "cookieaisle" (Columbia, SC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Second Sunday: A Novel (Hardcover)

Michele Andrea Bowen, author of the bestseller "Church Folk", has done it again. Welcome (3x - as the proper greeting in the black church) to Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis during the 1970's. The pastor has died and the church members scramble to find a replacement in time for the 100th Anniversary Second Sunday celebration.

Certain members of the board like Cleavon Johnson don't have the congregation's best interest at heart during the selection process. The women of the church are peeved at the board and set out on a mission with the help of Sheba Cochran. Sheba sniffs out the good and the bad candidates. Finally, Rev. George Wilson is selected and he certainly has his work cut out for him. Not only does he become head of a church in turmoil, but he begins to fall in love with Sheba.

In "Second Sunday" there are many laugh-out loud situations that are strongly familiar for the regular black church attendee. While Bowens humorously uncovers the un-Christian actions of church members, she gracefully shows how God is in the midst when the congregation is on one accord.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SECOND SUNDAY SECOND SUNDAY, March 3, 2004

By 

Cassandra Gaddy (Ladson, sc United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Second Sunday: A Novel (Hardcover)

The church folk need a new pastor before their 100th anniversary and during the process of finding a new pastor, we have all the antics you can think of going on in the background. The storyline was very witty and humorous. The characters were great also. I felt that some of the storylines could have been developed more. Maybe that's for the next book ... Overall I enjoyed the read and if you've read "Church Folks",then you know how Michele Andrea Bowen does it !!! The prayers of the righteous availeth much ...

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sunday To Remember!, July 18, 2003

By 

The Good Girl Reviewers "goodgirlbookclubonline" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Second Sunday: A Novel (Hardcover)

Michele Bowen's "Second Sunday" really depicts the discord, deceit and chaos that can happen even within the church. There is never a dull moment with any of the characters. Bowen keeps the book engaging by having multiple perspectives. Some of the situations in the book will have you sprawled out on the floor laughing, while others will have you curled up in a ball crying. To watch God work in situations and people like those portrayed in "Second Sunday," is nothing short of amazing!
It is interesting to experience the dynamics of the church not only from the pews but from behind the pulpit. This book teaches the lesson of what it means when we as Christians do not have pure intentions when doing the work of the Lord's. "Second Sunday" is also a story of forgiveness, love, old-style prayer and fervent worship. This book illustrates that God is the director, and He is always in control behind the scenes and the schemes. This is definitely an entertaining book about church folks!

Submitted by GoodGirlBookClubOnline.com reviewer, Sherna Graham